Physician Assistant

A Few Facts About the PA Profession

Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years;
admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2
years of college and some health care experience.

All States require physician assistants to complete an
accredited education program and to pass a national exam in order to
obtain a license.

Physician assistants rank among the fastest growing
occupations, as physicians and health care institutions increasingly
utilize physician assistants in order to contain costs.

Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner city clinics.

What does a Physician Assistant do?

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision of
physicians and surgeons. They should not be confused with medical
assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks. PAs are
formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive
health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of
the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat
patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make
diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and
casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and
order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District of Columbia,
physician assistants may prescribe medications. PAs also may have
managerial duties. Some order medical supplies or equipment and
supervise technicians and assistants.

Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician.
However, PAs may be the principal care providers in rural or inner city
clinics, where a physician is present for only 1 or 2 days each week. In
such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician and other
medical professionals as needed and as required by law. PAs also may
make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care facilities to check
on patients, after which they report back to the physician.

The duties of physician assistants are determined by the
supervising physician and by State law. Aspiring PAs should investigate
the laws and regulations in the States in which they wish to practice.

This information comes directly from the Occupational Outlook
Handbook published by the Dept. of Labor. For additionl information on
the PA profession, training, employment, job outlook, and salaries go to
www.bls.gov/oco. Use the A to Z menu and click on the link for Physician Assistant.